Thom Tillis

In the case of Thom Tillis, the answer is yes.

Like a lot of political leaders who ascend to power rapidly and without much experience, Tillis, Senate leader Phil Berger and their teams simply don’t have the kind of experience, wisdom or confidence necessary to govern effectively. Lacking much real experience in state government (and, indeed, possessed of an ideological opposition to government generally), they also lack the capacity to assess their opposition, to listen to its spokespeople or to debate and engage with it effectively. Like a petrified monarch afraid of his own illegitimacy, they are fearful, ignorant of history and their critics and prone to overreact to challenges.

Don't expect any epiphanies or introspection on the part of Tillis and Berger. They're drunk on power, loving every second of brief time in the "bad boy" spotlight. Exactly the kind of thing you'd expect from 14-year-old punks whose brains haven't yet developed.

Required reading from NC Policy Watch.

North Carolina has $4,000,000 to help voters sitting unused and unavailable until the General Assembly appropriates $660,000 in matching funds.

The $4,000,000 in federal funds via the Help America Vote Act (HAVA), signed into law by President George W. Bush in 2002, is intended to help administer the 2012 elections with poll worker training, testing of voting equipment, and other technical support needs.

Take action to release the HAVA funds by contacting legislators, via NC Conservation Network:
Tell state legislators to release the HAVA funds.

Information on HAVA in North Carolina from Democracy NC HAVA Funds Memo

• HAVA Funds Factsheet
• County Boards of Elections Letter
• HAVA Letter Press Release
• HAVA Heart Flyer

Commentary on HAVA by Action NC: What's in your wallet?

You can see why the schmuck thinks his daily newspaper is roadkill.

The special N.C. legislative session that convened Thursday didn't feature another sneaky, post-midnight vote on controversial legislation, making a mockery of transparency in government and the public's right to know. But House Speaker Thom Tillis still managed to shunt the public aside last week with another ill-advised move.

Hat tip to Progressive Pulse.

And his name is Thom Tillis. If the justice system won't deal with him, it's going to be up to us.

Kudos to NC Policy Watch for helping to shine the spotlight on these abusive asses.

On January 5, Speaker Thom Tillis and the Republican House Majority contrived an unannounced, unconstitutional and unethical late night session to accomplish nothing more than political payback on North Carolina's teachers. Today marked the first time Speaker Tillis has returned to the scene of the crime since that infamous day for another “special session.”

This morning close to 100 citizens rallied outside to keep vigil over Tillis and the NCGA to ensure there were no more dirty tricks.

When we went inside the Legislative Building to stand watch over Tillis as he went to the House Chamber to gavel in session, we were greeted by armed Legislative Police officers, ordered by Tillis and his staff to have us removed from the 2nd floor of the building (where Tillis' office and the House chamber is located).

See the incredible video here.

Time to duck, the irony stick is swinging fast:

"Last session we were told no votes," said state Rep. Tricia Cotham, a Charlotte-area Democrat. "I think there is reason for skepticism and caution."

"The Democrats attempt to bring drama into everything, but this time they are going to be sorely disappointed," said state Rep. David Lewis, a Dunn Republican.

The fact that you had to inject "this time" into that sentence undermines your entire argument. Breaking your word about what will or will not happen generates doubt about future happenings, and doubt produces suspense, and suspense is a core element of drama. cut, that's a wrap

I wish I could talk to each of our Democratic women legislators right now, especially those who have decided not to run for reelection. I know they are discouraged and worn out, but the truth is we need them more than ever. Yet even without them, I am optimistic that we can stop the Republican Party from turning women into second-class citizens in North Carolina.

Why the optimism? It's simple. The women I know are fed up with men in government trying to interfere in their personal choices. What's more, they are speaking out and acting up like never before. From concerns about contraception and family planning to abortion rights an dequal pay, women are gearing up to push back against Republican over-reaching. And they are going to turn out in droves this fall.

The Republican plan comes together

If the funds are not appropriated, State Board of Elections executive director Gary Bartlett has said counties would likely be forced to operate 100 fewer early voting sites than were available in 2008.

Good people of Blue NC, especially those of you near Asheboro or within a sane drive to Asheboro (I am talking about you Greensboro!) -- why not leave work early this Friday and join me and a bunch of other people unhappy with Thom Tillis and all he represents at a rally? We'll be gathering in Asheboro at 4 PM on Friday to protest the unconstitutional post-midnight legislative session called by GOP lawmakers last month as well as their ever more lousy public policies. It will be held right before House Speaker Thom Tillis’s town hall (see details after the jump). A couple hours protesting and you can be on your way to a good weekend suffused with a sense of accomplishment -- plus we could meet in person and... there's nothing like a good protest rally to get the blood going!